China & Tibet Adventure
Sumptuous Palaces, vast landscapes, active temples, serene gardens & lakes

China’s capital is a fitting starting point for this incredible journey – a vast and vibrant city of great historic sights and cultural enclaves. Tiananmen Square, the elaborate grandeur of the Forbidden City and 2000 year old Great Wall are just a few of the attractions that Beijing has to offer.
Tiananmen, the Gate of Heavenly Peace, shields the Forbidden City from the vase expanse of the Square. Its lavish palaces and ornate courtyards telling their own story of China’s rich history. Ttake a trip to the Great Wall at Mutianyu with time in the afternoon to visit one of Beijing’s great clothing or souvenir markets.

The new high altitude rail line to Lhasa offers a unique view of the vast Tibetan Plateau - the scenery is simply awesome. The Golmud-Lhasa section of this epic rail journey opened in July 2005. The tracks wind 1142 km. across the Kunlun and Tanggula mountain ranges - reaching over 5000meters at its highest point.

The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be under-estimated and it is truly a fascinating city, fully justifying its reputation. Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the senses.

Capital of Chinese empires for more than 2000 years, Xi’an is a city of ancient treasures - the most magnificent and famous of which is the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang Di. The city has many other attractions including the Great Mosque, a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and fantastic evening food markets – great spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.

Long perceived as one of the world’s most exotic destinations, today Shanghai remains a glamorous, vital consumer paradise and architectural marvel - a mesmerizing array of old and new and walking is a great way to explore the streets and get a feel for this enormous city.

Renowned as an earthly paradise, the city of Hangzhou is a great place to soak up the local atmosphere. One of the main attractions of beautiful Hangzhou is the West Lake; surrounded by hills and gardens, its banks are dotted with temples and pavilions. Hangzhou is the center of one of China's most famous tea-growing areas and home to numerous traditional teahouses. The city is also known for its superb food. Visit Lingyin Si one of the largest temple complexes in China, founded in 326. It is set in a vast park with hundreds of Buddhist sculptures, rock formations. Explore the complex before heading to Dragon Well village on the outskirts of the city is the origin of Longjing Tea, the finest green tea produced in China.